Wednesday morning we woke up to rain and lots of it but we had to finish our loop around the island. Thankfully we'd packed our umbrellas so we set out for the farmers market in Hilo. On the way we saw a sign for the macadamia nut factory tour so we decided to check it out. It wasn't anything too exciting but we did get to sample lots of chocolate covered nuts and buy a few too.
Sadly, I have no pictures at the market but that is where we bought pretty much all of our souvenirs. Then we started our tour of the waterfalls. This was Rainbow Falls.
It was so tropical and green on this side of the island. I couldn't stop saying how beautiful everything was.
Then we found the biggest tree ever!
We tried to swing from the vines but dang it just hurt your hands.
We came across a gorgeous scenic road on our way to the next waterfall. I'm so glad we choose to take it and I really wish the pictures turned out better.
Akaka Falls which is the islands most popular waterfall and for good reason.
We then headed up north to the Waipio Valley lookout. Our original plan was to drive down and hike over to another waterfall but it was getting late and we were tired so we opted to just enjoy the view and those pictures are on the phone.
Thursday we decided to relax a bit and spent the day at the most beautiful beach. I can't remember what it was called but the water was so blue and the sand was so fine and white. It was heaven to me!
In the evening we went down to the pier for dinner and to wander through some of the shops. Mitch made many friends on our trip but this was one of our favorites!
Friday we drove back up north so our friends could zip-line and we went to the Pololu valley overlook. Once again we were planning on hiking down to the ocean below but it started raining which made the trail too slick. So we just drove over to another beach and huddled under a pavilion and watched some crazy buggy boarders ride some huge waves.
Later that night we went snorkeling with the manta rays. It was ridiculously scary and I almost puked over the edge of the boat but it was also totally worth it. They have to hold onto this circular thing that shines lights down into the water which attracts food for the manta rays. When they come up to eat it is amazing at how close they get and every time I would scream into my snorkel and Jake would start laughing. Such a crazy experience.
Saturday we headed down to the Last Refuge. On the way we stopped at a place called Geo's and Mitch got a dessert crepe for breakfast!
Later that afternoon we'd heard about a great beach but to get there you had to drive over all the lava rocks. Good thing we had our trusty jeep.
I could seriously be a beach bum!
That night we went back down to the pier for a fancy dinner at the Fish Hopper. It was so yummy.
The next morning we had to check out of our condo so after we were mostly packed, we headed down to rocky beach one last time.
Then stopped at a local farmers market for a few last minute things.
Then spent the rest of the day enjoying the beach.
We cleaned all the sand off us as best we could at the restroom and then headed to the airport for our flight home!
I still can't believe that we actually took this trip. It feels like a dream sometimes and whenever I need a happy memory this is what I think of. It was so wonderful to take some time away from our every day life and responsibilities.
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